elkins ranch

Pokemon20

I was very excited to hear about this place. We were planning on going on the tour during our visit to the canyon. I even telephoned this business a few days prior and spoke to a representative. But, when we arrived at the canyon this place was closed and never answered their phone. I tried for 2 days to schedule a tour and they never picked up the phone nor was their an answering machine. There are for sale signs in front of the ranch so maybe that has something to do with it.

Angelafo

Found this by accident from a flyer in the hotel lobby, as the ranch borders the canyon the jeeps can get you right in amongst it all, our guide was very informative and knew everything and more about the canyon past and present. There were plenty of photo opportunities and the guide was happy to stop so we could take photos and was happy to take our photo too. After doing the jeep safari we then went I to the official state park which not nearly as much fun as the Elkins Ranch tour

SabyaMitra

We visited Palo Duro and while coming back from the park we went to the Elkins Ranch. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride in one of their customized jeep. The guide was very informative and experienced in the terrain as well as in the wildlife out there. The view was magnificent and it is totally worth it. Unfortunately we could not take the 3.5 hour tour as the road was washed away by the rain. A must see if you are in that area.

Schurchill

Took this tour today with charming, erudite guide David, who was boundlessly informative on myriad topics while showing us some of the most stunning scenery it has been our privilege ever to see. Just the tour itself would have more than merited top grading, but David illuminated the trip with his knowledge of local flora, fauna, geology, anthropology, history, ecology etc. Other reviewers have noted that the trail is steep and rough - I am the prototypical wimp, but the jeep was perfectly comfortable and I felt secure. If you want to be entertained, informed and see some extraordinary scenery, then I thoroughly recommend this tour.

gjmagain

Due to an unusual but welcome rain in the area the tour was cancelled for the day we wanted, but we went the next day and basically got a private tour. Our guide was Nicole and we thought she was great! She was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. We left feeling like we had known her for years! Wear your good bra, ladies; the ride was pretty rough, but it didn't bother us and felt it was to be expected considering where we were and what we were doing. We didn't expect anything "refined" so everything was as we expected. It was so interesting to go down into the canyon. I didn't even know it was there until we moved to TX. We will probably do it again in a few years and take a longer tour. We are both 65+ and had no problems with anything and would highly recommend. I would think kids would think this was a hoot! Toilet was a port-a-potty so take note of that.

Miha_MO

Ride was rough but that was expected being in a Canyon. Our tour guide Kathy was amazing, very nice and informative me and my kids had a blast. We took the 1 hr tour. I thought it was long enough but the 11 amd 12 yr old boys and 4 yr old girl wanted to keep going:) kind of pricey (25$/adult 12 and up, 15$ children 4-11 but would revommend it to anyone going through that way. We only saw one mule deer and a few lizzards but still worth going!

RheanaJo

Their website needs updated. They no longer serve breakfast. The website says Gentle, comfortable ride but after we got there we were told the ride is very bumpy. The ride up the drive was very rough The host who schedules and takes payment is not at all friendly and borders on rude. The tour guide on the other hand is very friendly.

NicoleW376

We thought it was a bit expensive at first...the when we were done we thought it was too cheep. It was so much fun. I am scared of hightail and it was a ton of fun. The roads are rough but it is very cool to see the canyon I it's true form with out hiking. If you want paved roads and and gift shops go acrost the street to the state park. But if you want the most for your money this is deffenetly the place to go.

Meyertravel

Took a two hour tour at the Elkins Ranch. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we were the only ones on the tour. She tried her best to find us some animals. but with the heat, they were hiding. I learned a lot about the area and they had a few neat things set up and nice spots to view the canyon. We knew very little about it before, but felt like we learned a lot. With the Texas wind, you leave feeling pretty gritty, but it is an enjoyable time and quiet. I wish they would leave you there to sit for a few hours.

lovetotravel48

We took the one hour tour and had a wonderful time. Our guide, Lucy, was extremely knowledge. The Jeep seats were well padded and the ride was not rough at all. It was great to see the from the rim as well as the floor.

Goldilocks0613

This Jeep tour comes with a very knowledgable guide and very cute Jeeps, painted like spotted cows. There are three tours offered, 1 hour, 2+hours, and 3 hours. When we went in May, the 3 hour trip was not available because of a flash flood that washed out the road. However the 2 1/2 hour tour was wonderful. Our guide grew up in Amarillo, and has worked on the Elkins Ranch for a long time. Both ladies were very accomodating and very nice. Our guide stopped each time we saw something to take a picture of, and there were plenty of photo ops !Make sure to add this to your itinerary as a lot of the history is not discussed with other tours, including the horseback and just driving around the park in the canyon. Lots safer, too, than the horse tours !

TresaM_12

If you are looking for a jeep ride, cattle drive or early morning breakfast, this is your place. I highly recommend for someone looking for the western experience

ElissaV453

My father is very knowledgeable on Native American history and knows the story of the Palo Duro Indian battle, so naturally a tour of the canyon was a must. When I discovered Elkins Ranch and their tours I knew it would be worth it. We booked the 3 hour tour. We were the only tour going that morning which was nice. Our guide was very knowledgeable on the canyon history, flora and fauna. She had been with the ranch for 15 years. Even though the roads became a little scary (steep inclines and declines), I could tell she was proficient in operating the vehicle and could probably drive it with her eyes closed! The SUVs have been painted the most adorable colors and given names to represent family members of the Elkin's ranch. Naturally being vehicles used for rugged terrain, they show some stress, but were perfect for navigating the canyon. I would highly suggest going on the jeep tour or if in the company of 40 others--doing the Western Nights program. That looks fun!

Texaspainter

The graded roads used by the jeeps were definitely below standard. I felt like we might tip over. The breakfast was good, but unless roads are re-built, I wouldn't go again.

Travelers-R-US-246

After having read some of the reviews, I was a bit skeptical about making a reservation for the two-hour tour. But I did; and the gate was open at 8:45 a.m. and the driver was at the ready. And we had a great experience! Our driver was a gentleman in his 70s who was a bit quirky, but that honestly added to the adventure. As did the vehicle. We enjoyed the 5 mph tour down into the bottom of the canyon much more than exploring Palo Duro via our car and on foot immediately after. The guide stopped the Jeep on several occasions so we could get out and soak in the vista. I'm not sure how much of what the guide told us was true, but it sure was entertaining.